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Home/HOW TO GROW VEGGIES, FRUITS AND ORNAMENTALS IN POTS AND HANGING BASKETS.

HOW TO GROW VEGGIES, FRUITS AND ORNAMENTALS IN POTS AND HANGING BASKETS.

11:42 am, 01/11/2024

Growing vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants in outdoor pots and hanging baskets is an excellent way to make use of small spaces and bring life and colour to patios, balconies, or garden areas. Here’s a guide on how to select plants, prepare soil, manage watering and fertilising, and care for your plants to get the best results!

Types of Plants for Outdoor Pots and Hanging Baskets

Vegetables

Container gardening works well for many vegetables, especially compact or trailing varieties:

  1. Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Asian greens grow well in pots and provide continuous harvests.
  2. Herbs: Basil, chives, parsley, mint, and thyme thrive in containers and are ideal for hanging baskets, allowing easy access to fresh herbs.
  3. Small-fruit vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, and dwarf eggplants do well in containers, though they need a sturdy support structure.
  4. Root vegetables: Radishes, carrots, and beetroot can be grown in deeper pots.

Fruits

Many dwarf fruit plants are well-suited for pots:

  1. Berries: Strawberries are popular for hanging baskets due to their trailing habit, while blueberries and dwarf raspberries also thrive in pots.
  2. Dwarf citrus: Lemons, limes, and mandarins in dwarf varieties grow well in larger pots and add a tropical feel.
  3. Figs and dwarf apples: With large pots, these compact trees can produce fruit and thrive outdoors in sunny spots.

Ornamentals

Ornamental plants add aesthetic appeal and can create vibrant displays:

  1. Flowering annuals: Petunias, marigolds, lobelia, and pansies offer bright colours and do well in pots and hanging baskets.
  2. Perennials and succulents: Hardy plants like lavender, geraniums, echeverias, and aloe are great for containers and require little maintenance.
  3. Trailing plants: Ivy, nasturtiums, and dichondra create beautiful cascades and fill out hanging baskets, adding texture and depth.

Soil Requirements for Pots and Hanging Baskets

The right soil mix is essential for container gardening, as plants have limited space to spread their roots and access nutrients.

  • Vegetable and fruit pots: Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but drains well. Add compost or a soil conditioner to boost nutrients and enhance growth.
  • Ornamentals: Choose a potting mix that suits the plant type; for example, succulents need a well-draining, gritty soil mix, while flowering plants may benefit from a moisture-retentive mix.
  • Hanging baskets: Mixes that hold water longer (like those with added coir or water-storing crystals) help reduce how frequently you need to water.

Watering Needs

Pots and baskets tend to dry out faster than garden beds, so keep an eye on soil moisture.

  • Vegetables and fruits: These generally need regular watering, especially during warmer months. Check the soil daily and water deeply until it runs out the drainage holes.
  • Ornamentals: Water needs vary by plant type, but as a rule, water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Drought-tolerant ornamentals like succulents need less frequent watering.
  • Hanging baskets: Baskets dry out quickly, so they may require daily watering in summer. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing the soil to retain moisture through the heat of the day.

Fertilising Tips

Container plants rely on regular fertilising as nutrients leach out with watering.

  • Vegetables and fruits: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting, and supplement with a liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and maximise fruit and vegetable production.
  • Ornamentals: Flowering plants benefit from a bloom-boosting fertiliser high in potassium, while leafy ornamentals prefer a nitrogen-rich option.
  • Herbs: Fertilise sparingly, as too much can reduce flavour intensity.

General Care Tips

  1. Pruning and harvesting: Regular pruning helps maintain plant health and shape, while consistent harvesting encourages more growth in vegetables and herbs.
  2. Positioning: Move pots and baskets around to optimise sunlight exposure as seasons change. Most fruits and vegetables prefer at least 6 hours of sun daily, while some ornamentals are shade-tolerant.
  3. Wind and temperature protection: Potted plants can overheat or get wind-damaged, so provide shade or windbreaks as needed, especially in exposed areas.
  4. Repotting and refreshing soil: Every 1-2 years, refresh the soil or repot to give roots space to grow and replenish nutrients.
  5. Pest control: Check regularly for pests and treat early to prevent infestations. Use organic pesticides or homemade remedies for safe control, especially on edibles.

Container gardening with vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants can be a rewarding way to make the most of your outdoor space. By giving plants the right soil, water, nutrients, and attention, you can enjoy a thriving, beautiful, and even edible garden year-round!